OF EVENTS CALENDAR
January - December 2025
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park
WHO WE ARE
Heritage Malta proudly manages over 90 museums, landmarks, national monuments and underwater sites.
It seeks to provide its various audiences with an enhanced experience during visits to these museums and sites. From prehistoric caves to subterranean passageways, geology to ethnography, from the management of seven World Heritage Sites to industrial and underwater heritage, there is no interest that is not catered for. The national agency is also committed to bringing culture closer to the people by
facilitating interpretation and accessibility, both physical and intellectual, and curating museums and sites into spaces for the exchange of ideas and knowledge. With its professional team of highly respected curators and archaeologists, architects, digital and scientific experts, conservators and restorers, Heritage Malta welcomes you to be part of a spectacular past.
Heritage Malta: Bridging the Past, Present, and Future
It is an extraordinary responsibility to be entrusted with the guardianship of over 8,000 years of history.
In such a role, not only must history and national heritage be preserved for future generations, but it must also be made known locally and way beyond our shores. This extraordinary responsibility has been entrusted to Heritage Malta, and it is deeply satisfying to note that this agency is doing an outstanding job.
From UNESCO listed Neolithic monuments to invaluable baroque auberges, world-famous forts and catacombs, ancient archaeological sites, and fascinating natural landscapes, Heritage Malta is truly the face of the Maltese islands. Being the national agency for museums, conservation practice, and cultural heritage requires selfless dedication by all. The people at Heritage Malta demonstrate these qualities unfailingly and with a remarkable sense of pride and dedication.
Over the past years, Heritage Malta has curated Malta’s rich cultural heritage. Its plans for 2025 are ambitious. They include amongst many important projects, the preservation and restoration of unique sites, well known beyond our shores, as are Villa Guardamangia, in Pietà,
best known for having served as the only permanent residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II outside the United Kingdom; the 19th century Villa Portelli in Kalkara, and the Inquisitor’s Palace, in Vittoriosa, a power-house of the Holy Roman Inquisition that dominated Malta for more than 224 years.
Further investment will also be made allocated to Villa Bighi, a fine example of 17th-century neoclassical architecture, which houses Heritage Malta’s head office.
I salute each person who forms part of Heritage Malta. On behalf of the people of Malta, I thank them for their selfless commitment. You are making Malta proud.
Dr Owen Bonnici
Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government
heritagemalta.mt/whats-on
PEEK INTO HERITAGE UNCOVER CENTURIES, IN A MOMENT
As we embark on a new year, it is my pleasure to introduce Heritage Malta’s 2025 Events Calendar—a twelve-month programme designed to connect people with Malta’s rich and diverse heritage in meaningful and innovative ways. Featuring 153 events, this calendar reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for discovery, exploration, and connection for all.
This year, we are especially proud to commemorate several significant anniversaries that highlight key moments in our nation’s history, including the 50th anniversary of the National War Museum, the 10th anniversary of Fort St. Elmo’s opening, the 110th anniversary of the first sketches of the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex, and the 460th anniversary of the Great Siege.
Inclusivity and accessibility remain central to our mission. We have curated bilingual events to cater to both local communities and international patrons, tailored activities for groups with specific needs, and enhanced opportunities to benefit from the Student and Senior Passport schemes. Through collaborations with local artists and organisations, we are also ensuring
a fusion of tradition and modernity, keeping our heritage relevant and vibrant for generations to come.
Our new Peek into Heritage campaign builds on the ethos of our Part of Us slogan by inviting the public to not only identify with Malta’s heritage but to become active participants in exploring the treasures that we safeguard. From exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to interactive workshops, family-friendly activities, solstice and equinox experiences, and Taste History gastronomic journeys, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Thank you to all my colleagues who contributed to bring this programme to life and to our patrons, whose growing enthusiasm continues to drive us forward.
Noel Zammit Chief Executive Officer
National Museum of Archaeology
JANUARY
Pietà
VILLA FRERE OPENING MIXJA MA’ MARIO COLEIRO - TOPIA
MUŻA - The National Community Art Museum, Valletta
Special Opening Trail
MUŻA - The National Community Art Museum, Valletta
Lecture
Main Gate, Senglea
Tour
Malta Maritime Museum, Birgu
Lecture
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
ENSLAVING THE EAST - MALTA’S ECONOMIC MODEL
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Lecture
OBSERVATIONS
Borġ in-Nadur, Birżebbuġa
Members’ event, Tour, Night
Mosta
Special Opening
GUARDIA!
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Re-enactment
St Paul’s Catacombs
FEBRUARY
01 02 08
10
15
VILLA FRERE OPENING
Pietà
Special Opening
ASPECTS OF THE CASTRUM MARIS
Fort St Angelo, Birgu
Re-enactment
SAN PAWL MILQI - THE SECRETS WITHIN
San Pawl Milqi, Burmarrad
Members’ event, Workshop
SAN PAWL MILQI MASS AND GUIDED TOURS
San Pawl Milqi, Burmarrad
Tour
‘AIR/SEA RESCUE OPERATIONS AT MALTA AND THE KALAFRANA SEAPLANE BASE 1940-1943’
BOOK LAUNCH & TALK BY FREDERICK GALEA
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Lecture, Book Launch
16 IN GUARDIA!
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Re-enactment
18
LECTURE BY DR OLVIN VELLABETRAYAL & VENGEANCE EXHIBITION
OUTREACH PROGRAMME
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Lecture
TA’ BISTRA OPENING
Special Opening Mosta
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Re-enactment
Inquisitor’s Palace
MARCH
ANIMALS AND MASKS
Gozo Nature Museum, Victoria, Gozo
Student Passport
VILLA FRERE OPENING
Pietà
Special Opening
VIVA VIVA L-KARNIVAL! -
PRINJOLATA COOK-ALONG SESSION
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Student Passport, Food, Seasonal
‘BRITISH ARMY MURALS AT THE MAIN GUARD’
Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta
Book launch
BETRAYAL AND VENGEANCE
EXHIBITION CURATOR’S TOUR
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Members’ event, Tour
ASPECTS OF CASTRUM MARIS
Fort St Angelo, Birgu
Re-enactment
IN GUARDIA!
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Re-enactment
“MELITENSIS – FLORA AND FAUNA NAMED AFTER THE MALTESE ISLANDS”
BY DAVID CILIA
National Museum of Natural History, Mdina
Lecture
LECTURE BY PROF. ANDREW AZZOPARDI
- BETRAYAL & VENGEANCE EXHIBITION OUTREACH
PROGRAMME
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Lecture
110TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST SKETCHES OF TARXIEN
Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex, Tarxien
Workshop
MIXJA MA’ MARIO COLEIRO
Valletta
Trail
20
UNTIL 22
SPRING EQUINOX AT MNAJDRA
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park, Qrendi
Seasonal
22
TOTE-ALLY AWESOME STONE
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park, Qrendi
Student Passport, Workshop
CURATOR’S TOUR AT TA’ ĦAĠRAT
AND SKORBA
Skorba Prehistoric Site and Ta’ Ħaġrat Megalithic Site, Mġarr
Members’ event, Tour
29
FLAVOURS OF MALTA & GOZO –BRAĠJOLI COOK-ALONG SESSION
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Food
30
TA’ BISTRA OPENING
Mosta
Special Opening
30
IN GUARDIA!
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Re-enactment
31
FREEDOM DAY
Fort St Angelo, Birgu
Special Opening, Re-enactment
Fort St Angelo
Ta’ Ħaġrat Megalithic Site
APRIL
SALINI CATACOMBS TOURS
Naxxar 06
Special Opening, Tour
GOZO WINDMILLS BUS TOUR
Ta’ Kola & Xewkija Windmills, Gozo
Tour
VILLA FRERE OPENING
Pietà
Special Opening
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Re-enactment
12
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu 06 IN GUARDIA!
FLAVOURS OF MALTA & GOZO –STUFFED CALAMARI COOK-ALONG
SESSION
Food
12
ROMAN SPICE ART
St Paul’s Catacombs, Rabat
Student Passport, Workshop
CHOCOLATE EASTER EGG MAKING &
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Student Passport, Food
National Musuem of Archaeology, Valletta
Student Passport
MARIO MATA-GONZALEZ
National Musuem of Natural History, Mdina
Lecture
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Paola
Senior Passport
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
IL-BNIEDEM U L-MADWAR - L-GĦABEX
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park, Qrendi
Tour
TA’ ĦAĠRAT & SKORBA TOURS DURING
FESTA FRAWLI
Skorba Prehistoric Site and Ta’ Ħaġrat Megalithic Site, Mġarr
Tour
TA’ BISTRA OPENING
Mosta
Special Opening
FARSONS BREWHOUSE TOUR
Farsons Brewhouse, Mrieħel
Members’ event, Tour
IN GUARDIA!
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Re-enactment
FIREWORKS FESTIVAL
Fort St Angelo, Birgu
Festival, Special opening
MAY
MIXJA MA’ MARIO COLEIRO
Trail Senglea
SPIRALS AND DOTS
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park, Qrendi
Student Passport, Workshop
VILLA FRERE OPENING
Pietà
Special Opening
IN GUARDIA!
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Re-enactment
ILLUMINATING MALTA
St Paul’s Catacombs, Rabat
Lecture
MUSEUMS BY CANDLELIGHT
Birgu
Special Opening
“IL-PROĊESS
INKWIŻITORJALI”PROF. FRANS CIAPPARA
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Lecture
SHARK STORY
National Museum of Natural History, Mdina 18
Student Passport, Workshop
WORLD MUSEUM DAY
Different sites around Malta and Gozo 18
Special Opening
MUSEUM’S CABINET OF CURIOSITIES
National Musuem of Archaeology, Valletta 20
Student Passport
460TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT SIEGE
Fort St Angelo, Birgu
Tour
Archaeological Park, Gozo
25
TA’ BISTRA OPENING
Special Opening Mosta
30
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR
MUSEUM - OFFICIAL CEREMONY
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Celebration
31
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR
MUSEUM - DANCING TO VICTORY
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Celebration
31 TOUR OF MUŻA
MUŻA - The National Community Art Museum, Valletta
Members’ event, Tour
JUNE
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR
MUSEUM - OPEN DAY
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Open Day
VILLA FRERE OPENING
Pietà 06
Special Opening
IL-BNIEDEM U L-MADWAR - IL-LEJL
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park, Qrendi
Tour, Lecture, Night
07
10
MIXJA MA’ MARIO COLEIRO
Trail Valletta
WW2 CURATOR’S TOUR
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Tour
14 TOUR OF BIRMULA
Birmula, Bormla
Members’ event, Tour
“L-ARKIVJU TAL-INKWIŻIZZJONI
FID-DAWL TAL-ISTORJA SOĊJALI TA’ MALTA TUL
IL-ĦAKMA TAL-ORDNI TA’ SAN ĠWANN” - MARIO GAUCI
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Lecture
UNTIL 22
SUMMER SOLSTICE
Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Archaeological Park, Qrendi
Seasonal
MELITE CIVITAS - CONFERENCE
St Paul’s Catacombs, Rabat
Seminar
BEZZUN TAL-KREMA U ĠELAT
COOK-ALONG SESSION
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Student Passport, Food
MUSEUMS BY CANDLELIGHT
Valletta
Special Opening
24
MELITE CIVITAS ROMANA PROJECT
Domvs Romana, Rabat
Tour
29
TA’ BISTRA OPENING
Mosta
Special Opening
Ta’ Bistra Catacombs
JULY
VILLA FRERE OPENING
Pietà
Special Opening
FILFLA & HARBOUR CRUISE
Sliema Promenade
Cruise
12
FILFLA & HARBOUR EVENING CRUISE
Sliema Promenade
Night, Cruise
20
FILFLA & HARBOUR CRUISE
Sliema Promenade
Cruise
26
CURATOR’S TOUR - THREADS OF FAITHLITURGICAL VESTMENTS OF THE ORDER OF ST JOHN
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Members’ event, Tour
27
FILFLA & HARBOUR EVENING CRUISE
Sliema Promenade
Night, Cruise
27
TA’ BISTRA OPENING
Mosta
Special Opening
Heritage Malta reserves the right to
Grand Harbour
Filfla
AUGUST
Sliema
Night,
Special
Sliema
Cruise
Sliema
Cruise
Members’
SEPTEMBER
20
VILLA FRERE OPENING
Pietà
Special Opening
REGATTA VIEWINGS ON VICTORY DAY
Fort St Angelo, Birgu
Special Opening
THE USE OF GIS IN MALTESE ARCHAEOLOGY
St Paul’s Catacombs, Rabat
Lecture
KORDIN TEMPLES TOUR - VISA
Kordin III Megalithic Site, Paola
Student Passport, Tour
20
MUSEUMS BY CANDLELIGHT
Rabat & Mdina
Special Opening
AUTUMN EQUINOX AT MNAJDRA
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park, Qrendi UNTIL 23
Seasonal
MIXJA MA’ MARIO COLEIRO
Cospicua to Valletta
Trail
PROJECT” BY DR ELEANOR SCERRI
National Museum of Natural History, Mdina
Lecture
CONSERVATORIO GUIDED TOUR
Conservatorio Vincenzo Bugeja, Santa Venera
Members’ event
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Re-enactment
Special Opening Mosta
Villa Frere
OCTOBER
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR OLDER PERSONS
Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta
Senior Passport, Tour
NOTTE BIANCA
Valletta
Open Day, Festival
EUROPEAN HERITAGE DAYS
Different Sites around Rabat and Valletta
Tour, Lecture
EUROPEAN NETWORKING DAYS
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Tour
VILLA FRERE OPENING
Pietà 16
Special Opening
SERJE TA’ TAĦDITIET BIL-MALTI DWAR L-INKWIŻIZZJONI
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Lecture
Kordin III Megalithic Site, Paola
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park, Qrendi
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Re-enactment
Tour, Special Opening Mqabba
TOUR OF THE RESERVE COLLECTION AREA
The National Community Art Museum, Valletta
Members’ event, Tour
BY JOHN J BORG, ANNAMARIA GATT, CAROLINE TONNA
National Museum of Natural History, Mdina
Lecture
NOVEMBER
02
02
02
UNTIL 2
DARK TOURISM WEEKEND
Heritage Malta Dark Sites
Seasonal
Ta’ Ħaġrat Megalithic Site, Mġarr 01
TRICK OR TREAT!
St Paul’s Catacombs, Rabat
Student Passport
VILLA FRERE OPENING
Pietà
Special Opening
MIXJA MA’ MARIO COLEIRO
Santa Venera
Trail
DARK TALES CURATOR’S TOUR
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Tour
Student Passport
ROMAN SPICE ART
St Paul’s Catacombs, Rabat
Student Passport, Workshop
MALTESE NOVEMBER TRADITIONS –
GĦADAM TAL-MEJTIN COOK-ALONG SESSION
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Student Passport, Food
ĠEWŻ, LEWŻ, QASTAN, TIN... – SAN
MARTIN COOK-ALONG SESSION
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Student Passport, Food
IN GUARDIA!
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Re-enactment
REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Celebration
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Lecture
XAGĦRA CIRCLE AND ITS ARCHAEOLOGY
Xagħra, Gozo 22 WORLD CHILDREN’S DAY
Tour
Borġ in-Nadur, Birżebbuġa 23
Workshop
DINGLI RADAR TOUR
Dingli Cliffs, Dingli 23 IN GUARDIA!
Members’ event, Tour
Fort St Elmo, Valletta 30 TA’ BISTRA OPENING
Re-enactment
Mosta
Special Opening
DECEMBER
Pietà
Special Opening
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Re-enactment
Fort St Angelo, Birgu
National Musuem of Archaeology, Valletta
Student Passport, Night
MIXJA MA’ MARIO COLEIRO
Rabat and Mdina
Trail
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
Re-enactment
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Student Passport,
20
UNTIL 21
WINTER SOLSTICE AT MNAJDRA
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park, Qrendi
Seasonal
21
28
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS COOKING SESSION
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
Members’ event, Food
TA’ BISTRA OPENING
Special Opening Mosta
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park
EXHIBITIONS
FEBRUARY 10 - MARCH
Edward Pirotta, Sculptor (1939-1968)
The National Community Art Museum, Valletta
FEBRUARY 08-10
Minjatura 2025: Malta Model Expo
Malta Maritime Museum, Birgu
APRIL
Ħdejk - Giuseppe Calì
St Dominic Church, Valletta
APRIL
Exhibition of historical objects by the Order of St John
Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta
MAY - JUNE
Melitensis
National Museum of Natural History, Mdina
SEPTEMBER
Espresso Exhibition on an Archaeology-related collection
National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta
SEPTEMBER
Display of items related to the tradition of the Otto Settembre in Malta
Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta
OCTOBER
Hats Off - Costumes Collection Display Exhibition
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
OCTOBER
Costumes donation small annual display
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
NOVEMBER
- DECEMBER
Nature conservation and fashion
Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu
MUŻA - The National Community Art Museum
Underground Valletta
ACCESSIBILITY
Fort St Elmo
Making our cultural heritage as accessible as possible
The Education and Outreach Department within Heritage Malta regularly organises multidisciplinary and interactive activities that target audiences with different abilities.
For more information contact us on education@ heritagemalta.org or visit heritagemalta.mt/ departments/education-outreach/
Our Lady of the Pillar Church
MEMBERSHIPS
St Paul’s Catacombs
Heritage Malta Memberships
Discover why it’s great to be a member!
• Notification on Heritage Malta public events at least 2 days before they are communicated to the general public
• Free unlimited entrance to all open Heritage Malta museums, sites and exhibitions ( * )
• Your own personal HM Membership Card
• Free exclusive monthly members’ events & Discounts on Heritage Malta public events
• An exclusive Heritage Malta welcome gift with any membership
• Free monthly e-calendar of events emailed to you
• 50% discount on admission to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and Underground Valletta
• 50% discount on adult entry tickets at the National Aquarium when presenting a valid membership card
• 15% discount at Heritage Malta museum shops ( ** )
• 10% discount per adult membership cardholder when you dine at MUŻA restaurant ( *** )
Please visit our page https://patronage.heritagemalta.mt/become-a-member/ to stay informed about the list of sites and benefits included in the membership.
Conditions & Exceptions:
• Discounts are valid for 1 person per card
• Membership card must be presented to avail oneself of benefits
• Joint Adult Memberships and Joint Concession Memberships receive two membership cards
• Discount on joint memberships
• Each Adult Membership entitles 3 accompanying children (and each Joint Membership entitles 6) to free admission to Heritage Malta museums, sites and exhibitions. Their names must be registered upon application. Any children who are 12 years of age or older (included in the 6 mentioned) from within a member’s household are entitled to their own membership card, permitting them independent entry
• ( * ) except the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Underground Valletta, and closed sites
• ( ** ) except for gold, silver, coins, food and drinks
• ( *** ) not applicable with any other offer or for Sunday lunches and special events; no beverages or desserts are included; discounts are valid for the A la Carte menu ONLY
Borġ in-Nadur
Treasure, Discover, Explore
Joining as a Heritage Malta Member comes with numerous perks that are not part of our Student or Senior Heritage Malta Passport programmes. One key advantage is monthly thematic events organised specifically for members. Enjoy first access to exhibitions, exclusive behind-thescenes glimpses, guided tours of closed sites, and visits to conservation laboratories, among other bespoke tours.
Additionally, your membership subscription plays a crucial role in generating essential income to support vital conservation efforts and projects and ensures the ongoing enjoyment of our sites and museums for both present and future generations.
Check out our opening hours
For more information, visit
heritagemalta.mt/explore/ patronage.heritagemalta.mt
Grand Master’s Palace
Museums & Sites
Gozo Museum of Archaeology
Gran Castello Historic House
With a total surface area of just 316km2, the Maltese Islands cherish an outstanding patrimony. The distinctiveness and longevity of its story are the result of the Archipelago’s position at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and its endowment with formidable natural havens. Heritage Malta, the National Agency for museums, conservation practice and cultural heritage, manages a cornucopia of museums and sites ranging from geology to industrial heritage, archaeology to ethnography, palaces to underground cemeteries, including seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
All Heritage Malta Museums and Sites are closed on 1 January, Good Friday and on 24, 25 & 31 December.
Ġgantija Archaeological Park
Underwater Sites
The location of the Maltese Islands at the centre of the Mediterranean has created an inextricable link between the archipelago and the maritime history of the Mediterranean. Malta’s human story stretches back over 8,000 years and is reflected in the archaeologically rich landscape of the islands. Millennia of human activity are also reflected on the seabed surrounding Malta and Gozo, ranging from a 2,700-yearold Phoenician shipwreck, Roman and Early Modern shipwrecks, to dozens of aircraft crash sites, submarines and battleships from both world wars. This diversity and unique range of underwater cultural heritage sites has made Malta the curator for a unique and well-preserved cultural resource that is global in nature and belongs to all humankind. A distinctive characteristic of Malta’s underwater cultural heritage sites is their deep-water location, ensuring site preservation whilst maintaining the authenticity and integrity of many historic wrecks.
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Fort St Elmo